Modulation of the immune response

Abstract

Methods for increasing the numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg), e.g., in a population of T cells or in a patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for increasing the number of CD4/CD25/Foxp3-expressing T regulatory (Treg) cells in a population of T cells, the method comprising contacting the population of T cells with a sufficient amount of a composition comprising a ligand that binds specifically to an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) transcription factor, and an antibody that selectively binds to an antigen present on a T cell, a B cell, a dendritic cell, or a macrophage, wherein the antibody and the ligand are linked to a biocompatible gold nanoparticle, wherein the method results in an increase in the number and/or activity of regulatory Treg cells. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is a small molecule that competes for binding to the AHR competitively with 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and activates AHR-dependent signaling. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is tryptamine (TA). 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the monoamine oxidase inhibitor is tranylcypromine. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is 2-(1′H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE). 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ligand is 6 formylindolo[3,2 b]carbazole (FICZ). 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible gold nanoparticle is pegylated. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the population of T cells comprises naïve T cells or CD4+CD62 ligand+ T cells. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering the Treg cells to a subject suffering from an autoimmune disorder, in an amount sufficient to improve or ameliorate a symptom of the disorder. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the population of T cells is in a living mammalian subject, and the method comprises administering the composition to the subject. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the subject has multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , comprising administering the composition orally. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , comprising administering the composition intravenously.